Myrtle Beach’s Silver Lining
Myrtle Beach has long been a magnet for sun-chasers and spring break blowouts, but its latest wave of growth is changing the narrative.
Across the Grand Strand, golf carts are lining the streets, new neighborhoods are filling up fast, and local businesses are shifting gears to meet a changing crowd. Myrtle Beach is becoming one of the fastest-growing retirement destinations in the country, and that shift is transforming the local economy. Businesses are adapting, real estate is booming, and a new kind of energy is taking over the coast.
Local industries are already feeling the impact, and for many, it’s a good thing. Here's how Myrtle Beach’s senior shift is playing out:
- Silver Wave Incoming: Nearly 25% of Myrtle Beach’s metro population is now 65 or older, with a 6.3% spike in the senior population in the past year—the fastest growth rate in the U.S.
- Home Sales Heat Up: Home prices are up 1.2% year-over-year, with high demand for low-maintenance condos and 55+ communities in neighborhoods like Del Webb North Myrtle Beach and Berkshire Forest.
- Healthcare Hustle: Providers like Conway Medical Center and Tidelands Health are expanding, with new clinics and wellness services opening to meet rising needs.
- Boom in Business: Horry County now ranks fifth in South Carolina for small business strength, with above-average small business income and a steady influx of entrepreneurs launching services tailored to senior living.
- Tourism Reimagined: Myrtle Beach’s tourism economy still pulls in $26 billion annually, but now with more emphasis on calm, coastal experiences—think pickleball, wine tastings, and relaxed waterfront dining.
- Steady Streams, Year-Round Dreams: The influx of retirees is helping the Grand Strand overcome seasonal business slumps by bringing steady income and consistent demand. Local shops, restaurants, and services are seeing more reliable traffic, while niche markets like golf cart dealerships and artisan markets are booming. Want to see it in action? Head to The Market Common or Barefoot Landing, where shops and services are catering to Myrtle Beach’s new wave of locals.
Myrtle Beach is proving how a shifting population can breathe new life into a local economy. From healthcare to hospitality, there’s room to grow—and now’s the time to make the move.
Plan your golden years like a pro with our guide at www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/senior-assisted-living-communities!
